In Tomb Raider, mastering stealth takedowns is essential for efficiently navigating through hostile environments without raising alarms. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize stealth:

Stealth Mechanics Overview
To perform stealth takedowns successfully:
– Stay Hidden: Look for cover options such as bushes, vines, or mud-covered walls. These are highlighted by the Survival Instincts ability, which allows you to see potential hiding places.
– Enemy Awareness: Understand the enemy alert level. Enemies highlighted in yellow are unaware and can be targeted for a silent takedown, while those highlighted in red are alert and cannot be stealth killed without alerting others.

Key Strategies for Stealth Takedowns

1. Approach with Caution:
– Move while crouched and use stealth to transition between hiding spots. This minimizes the risk of being detected.
– Use the environment to your advantage—avoid running or making noise while moving close to enemies.

2. Execution of Stealth Takedowns:
– When you get close enough to a yellow-glowing enemy and the stealth kill prompt appears (indicated by a button icon), press the melee attack button quickly for an instant takedown.
– After a kill, use the same hiding spot to conceal the enemy’s body, preventing others from becoming suspicious.

3. Luring Enemies:
– Employ distractions to lure enemies away from groups. This can be accomplished by throwing objects to create noise at a distance, allowing you to isolate targets for stealth takedowns.
– Focus on taking out enemies one or two at a time instead of confronting a larger group, which increases your chances of remaining undetected.

4. Utilize Special Takedowns:
– Explore the environment for opportunities to perform unique stealth attacks:
– Death from Above: Attack from a higher vantage point to take down enemies without them noticing.
– Water Takedowns: If near water, you can drown enemies for a silent kill.
– Corner Takedowns: Utilize cover effectively to execute a takedown while staying hidden behind obstacles.

5. Avoiding Detection During Takedowns:
– Ensure no other enemies can see you while performing a stealth kill. Timing and positioning are crucial; keep track of enemy movements and avoid kills in the direct line of sight of others.

6. Weapon Upgrades and Silent Options:
– Upgrade your weapons, particularly the bow, to enhance your stealth capabilities. Silent headshots can effectively eliminate enemies from a distance without alerting their allies, making it a valuable tactic in stealth scenarios.

Summary
Successful stealth gameplay in Tomb Raider revolves around staying hidden, understanding enemy awareness with the Survival Instincts feature, and using the environment strategically. By sneaking up on enemies, utilizing distractions, and executing stealth takedowns without drawing attention, you can navigate through levels effectively while minimizing conflict. Focus on isolating targets and utilizing special takedowns for maximum efficiency while remaining undetected.